I didn't have enough driving miles on it before leaving for Asia. Initial impressions were good as expected.
I am not sure I see the advantage of the 1.4 high range route. I would actually prefer to use a 1:1 high range case ratio (which I believe is available) and run 4:14 axle gearing. That gives an even lower low range ratio and still strong gears. Of course this is just conceptual as there may be some technical reason this is not a good idea. . .
Scott, I have a Tdi in my D1. Low range can be compared to an experience driving something manufactured by John Deere. The three hundy just chugs over the trails in low range.
My reason for the 1.4 is to "increase" the gear ratio in high range. I have 3.54 diffs. Most of the people I talk to recommend staying with the 3.54 diffs. The 3.54 gears are quiet, very strong, and cheap to replace. Stock diffs are a dime a dozen.
Seems it would be a lot less labor to install a 1.4 tcase. However, finding a 1.4 seems to be a different story.